Islamabad, Pakistan: Pakistan is extending the stay of nearly 16,000 Afghan nationals on humanitarian grounds, with priority being given to women, children, and elderly individuals, the Foreign Office said during its weekly press briefing.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that no Afghan citizen holding a valid visa or legal travel documents has been deported from Pakistan.
He said that authorities are continuing to process cases under the Afghan Relocation and Resettlement framework, adding that around 89,000 Afghan nationals’ cases are currently under review under the IFRP process.
According to the spokesperson, the government has decided to extend the stay of approximately 16,000 Afghan women, children, and elderly people on humanitarian grounds while the relevant procedures regarding their cases continue.
Tahir Andrabi reiterated that Pakistan’s actions are being carried out in accordance with the country’s immigration laws and humanitarian considerations. He emphasized that individuals possessing valid visas or legal travel documents have not been subjected to deportation.
Responding to a question about reports of an incident in the border areas near Chitral, the spokesperson said the Foreign Office does not have any verified information regarding the matter.
He noted that reports emerging from Afghanistan require verification on the ground before any conclusions can be drawn and stressed that it would be inappropriate to comment on unconfirmed reports.
The spokesperson added that Pakistan continues to monitor developments along the border and remains committed to responding on the basis of verified facts and official information.
Pakistan has repeatedly stated that it distinguishes between documented and undocumented foreign nationals in implementing its immigration policies, while also considering humanitarian concerns in appropriate cases.
The Foreign Office reaffirmed that the government will continue processing eligible Afghan nationals under the relevant relocation and immigration mechanisms while ensuring compliance with Pakistan’s legal framework and international obligations.
About The Author
